Elon University's Student Population: How Many Attend?

Elon University, founded in 1889 in Elon, North Carolina, is a nationally recognized leader in experiential learning. The university has a student-centred environment and is ranked among the top universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. With a focus on providing a rich and meaningful education, Elon offers a range of academic programs and hands-on experiences to over 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate vs graduate student numbers

Elon University in North Carolina has a total of over 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The undergraduate population is significantly larger than the graduate population, with around 6,400-6,500 undergraduate students and approximately 787 graduate students. This equates to around 91% of students being undergraduates and 9% being graduate students.

Elon University is a mid-sized private university with a strong reputation for its undergraduate teaching and experiential learning. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with over 70 undergraduate academic majors and complementary professional and graduate programs in law, business, education, and healthcare.

The university's undergraduate population is diverse, with students coming from 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 52 countries. The undergraduate programs have a strong focus on enhancing the student experience, with a range of extracurricular activities, including volunteer service, undergraduate research, internships, study abroad opportunities, and athletic programs.

The smaller graduate student population allows for a more intimate learning environment and a focus on mentorship and research. Graduate students benefit from close working relationships with faculty and staff, who prioritize teaching and mentoring. The graduate programs build upon the undergraduate curriculum, offering professional development and specialized knowledge in various fields.

Total number of students

Elon University is a mid-sized private university with a total of more than 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The undergraduate enrollment is estimated at 6,402 (as of Fall 2023), while the number of graduate students is 787. This brings the total number of students to 7,189.

The university's historic 690-acre campus in central North Carolina is designated as a botanical garden. The campus includes the 56-acre Elon University Forest, a land preserve and natural area for scientific research, and Loy Farm, a center for environmental research and sustainability that includes a solar farm.

Elon University's student body is diverse, with students coming from 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 52 countries. The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and the average class size is 20. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with more than 70 undergraduate majors complemented by professional and graduate programs in law, business, education, and healthcare.

The university is ranked among the top national universities and has received recognition for its excellence in undergraduate teaching and experiential learning. With its focus on hands-on experiences and close working relationships between students and faculty, Elon University provides a rich and meaningful educational environment for its students.

Student origin

Elon University in North Carolina has a total enrollment of around 7,117 students, 6,073 of whom are undergraduates and 745 are postgraduates. The undergraduate population is made up of 60% women and 40% men, while the postgraduate population is 63% women and 37% men. Overall, there are approximately 4,272 female students and 2,845 male students at Elon.

Elon has a very high level of geographic diversity, with 82% of the student body coming from outside North Carolina or from other countries. The majority of students are from the U.S. state of North Carolina, followed by Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Maryland. Students come from 49 states and the District of Columbia, as well as Puerto Rico. International students make up 2.32% of the student population, with representation from 52 countries, including the United Kingdom, China, and Canada.

The racial and ethnic diversity of Elon University is below average. 18% of students are from minority racial or ethnic backgrounds, with the student body being predominantly white. There is a small Black population, and a very low number of Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander students.

Student enrolment

Elon University is a private institution that was founded in 1889 in Elon, North Carolina. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,402 (as of fall 2023), and a campus size of 656 acres. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #121. Tuition and fees are $46,958.

Elon University has a total of 7,189 students enrolled, including 6,402 undergraduate students and 787 graduate students. The university's student population comes from 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 52 countries. The top states for undergraduate students are North Carolina, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Maryland.

The university offers more than 70 undergraduate academic majors, as well as professional and graduate programs in law, business, education, and healthcare. The academic divisions include Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, the School of Communications, the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education, the School of Health Sciences, and the School of Law.

The university has a four-year graduation rate of 77 percent and a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. The average class size is 20, and there are more than 502 full-time faculty members.

Student retention

Elon University, a private institution in North Carolina, has experienced fluctuations in its national ranking and admission rates over the past decade. Despite these changes, the university has consistently maintained a high student retention rate, an important indicator of student satisfaction and commitment to the institution.

Strategies for Student Retention

Elon University has implemented several strategies to foster a high student retention rate:

Student-Centered Approach

Elon University is known for its student-centered approach, which encourages personal growth and leadership development. The university creates a supportive environment that promotes mentorship and collaboration between students and professors, fostering a sense of community and engagement.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

The university emphasises hands-on learning through its unique Elon Experiences program. This program integrates immersive opportunities such as study abroad, internships, research projects, volunteer service, and undergraduate research. These experiences provide students with real-world skills and enhance their overall educational experience, encouraging them to continue their studies.

Strong Academic Programs and Support

Elon University offers a range of strong academic programs, including a commitment to liberal arts education. The university provides a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 or 12:1, depending on the source, allowing for close interactions and personalised teaching. The university's academic programs are supported by a dedicated faculty, contributing to a dynamic student lifestyle that balances academics and extracurricular activities.

Well-Rounded Campus Life

Elon University's picturesque campus offers modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, a well-stocked library, and athletic and recreational spaces. This blend of academic and extracurricular resources creates a well-rounded campus life, catering to a variety of student interests and needs, and likely contributing to their decision to stay enrolled.

High Graduation Rates

Elon University's graduation rates are above the national average, with a four-year graduation rate of 77-78% and a six-year graduation rate of 83%. This indicates that students are not only staying enrolled but are also successfully completing their degrees, which can be attributed to the university's supportive academic environment and hands-on learning approach.

Data and Demographics

Elon University's retention rate has been consistently high, with a notable retention rate of 90.43% reported in 2024 for first-year students continuing into their second year. This is significantly higher than the national average of 70.57% and the North Carolina average of 66.53%. The university's total undergraduate enrollment has also been steadily increasing, rising from 5,599 in 2014 to 6,402 in 2023 or 6,452 in 2024, depending on the source. This growth in enrollment, despite rising tuition costs, reflects the university's strong reputation and the positive experiences of its students.

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